Catholics urge Tanzania opposition not to boycott polls; battle for your space instead
Supporters of Tanzania's opposition Chadema party celebrate in Dar es Salaam after the 2015 general election. Chadema, ACT-Wazalendo and NCCR-Mageuzi had announced withdrawal from civic polls, presenting the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party with an open route victory. HOTO | DANIEL HAYDUK | AFP
What you need to know:
Tanzania Episcopal Conference Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga says boycotting the polls was not the solution but that contestants must work together to address the challenges that brought this about.
The boycott has sparked fears of a constitutional crisis if the government makes good its threat to go ahead even without the contestants who have withdrawn.
The parties withdrawal from an election is a first for Tanzania and is a culmination of political restrictions imposed by President John Magufuli who banned political rallies in 2015.
